China Japan

The Art of China and Japan

Geographic Context

  • China

  • Japan

  • Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan)

  • Surrounding Seas: Arabian Sea, Sea of Okhotsk, East China Sea, Bay of Bengal, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Philippine Sea.

Silk Route

  • Major trade route connecting Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Baghdad.

  • Key Cities on the Silk Route:

    • Samarkand

    • Petra

    • Merv

    • Kashgar

    • Dunhuang

    • Luoyang

    • Chang'an (Nanjing)

    • Guangzhou (Canton)

The Long History of Chinese Dynasties

  • Overview of dynasties in China that shaped its art and culture:

    • Hongshan Culture: c. 4700–2700 BCE

    • Liangzhu Culture: c. 3300–2250 BCE

    • Shang Dynasty: 1600–1046 BCE

    • Zhou Dynasty:

    • Western Zhou: 1046–771 BCE

    • Eastern Zhou: 770–256 BCE

      • The Warring States: ca. 550 BCE

    • Qin Dynasty: 221–206 BCE

    • Han Dynasty: 206 BCE–220 CE

    • Period of Division: 220–589

    • Tang Dynasty: 618–907

    • Five Dynasties: 907–960 CE

    • Song Dynasty: 960–1279

    • Yuan Dynasty: 1279–1368

    • Ming Dynasty: 1368–1644

    • Qing Dynasty: 1644–1911

    • Republic of China: 1912–1949

    • People's Republic of China: 1949–present

Religion and Social Order in China

  • Taoism/Daoism:

    • Originated around 300 BCE.

    • Key Text: Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

    • Concepts:

    • The Way = The Dao

    • Non-theistic philosophy emphasizing simplicity, harmony, balance, and duality.

Confucius

  • Who Was Confucius?

    • His teachings evolved into Confucianism, one of the most important philosophies in China.

Buddhism in China and Japan

  • Chinese Buddhism (Han Buddhism):

    • A form of Mahayana Buddhism in China, introduced during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE).

    • Estimated 185 to 250 million Buddhists in China as of 2017.

    • Promoted significantly during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE).

    • Included translations of Indian Buddhist scriptures into the Chinese canon, influencing spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

    • Unique traditions developed:

    • Tiantai

    • Huayan

    • Chan

    • Pure Land

    • Esoteric Buddhism

    • Influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religion.

The Early Dynasties of China

Ancient China (7000 BC - 1600 BC)

  • Various cultures reflecting early Chinese civilization.

  • Notable artifacts:

    • Jade amulets and ceremonial objects.

Shang Dynasty (1600 - 1046 BCE)

  • Earliest verifiable dynasty in China through written records and archaeology.

  • Centralized government ruled from Yellow River valley.

  • The dynasty ended with the Zhou conquest.

  • Oracle Bones: Used for divination and political decisions.

  • Fu Hao: A notable female military leader whose tomb contained over 130 weapons.

  • Bronze vessel production: Developed a unique piece-mold technique.

Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BCE)

  • Qin Shi Huang: Unified China and initiated the Great Wall's construction utilizing over 300,000 troops and 500,000 civilian workers.

  • Terracotta Soldiers: Created to accompany the First Emperor in burial.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)

  • Evolved into a major cultural and economic power.

  • Laid foundations for future Chinese culture, including art and literature.

Period of Division (220 - 589)

  • Marked by fragmentation followed by cultural and artistic flourishing, similar to the European Renaissance.

Tang Dynasty (618 - 907)

  • Known for cultural exchange and prosperity.

  • Dunhuang Caves: Notables for Buddhist murals and early printing techniques.

Song Dynasty (960 - 1279)

  • Characterized by economic growth, trade, and cultural achievements.

    • The first governmental paper money was issued.

    • Resurgence of Confucianism and interest in antiquity.

    • Artistic achievements in painting, ceramics, and calligraphy.

Japanese Artistic Developments

Ancient Japan (Jōmon and Yayoi Periods)

  • Jōmon Period (c. 10,500 – c. 300 B.C.E.): Creation of cord-marked ceramics.

  • Yayoi Period (300 B.C.E. – 300 C.E.): Influences from the Asian continent.

Kofun Period (ca. 3rd century – 538)

  • Known for large burial mounds and clay figures (Haniwa).

Asuka Period (538-710)

  • Introduction of Buddhism, leading to the development of pagodas and other religious architectures.

Nara Period (710-794)

  • Strong influences from Tang-dynasty China, exemplified in art and architecture.

Heian Period (794-1185)

  • Focus on courtly refinement and literature, notably The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu.

  • Artistic achievements include intricate landscape paintings and narrative scrolls.

  • Techniques like fukinuki yatai allowed for innovative interior portrayals.